Barksdale bids farewell to vice commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph Raatz
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Team Barksdale bade farewell to Col. Leland "Bo" Bohannon, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, Tuesday, April 7.

Bohannon, a command pilot with more than 3,100 hours in multiple airframes including the C-5 Galaxy and B-2 Spirit, has been the 2nd BW vice commander since July 2013.

"I can't say enough about Bo," said Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd BW commander. "I see him as a leader, a father and a husband, going out every single day and trying to make a difference in the world. Not only does he make that difference, he does it with grace, style and even temperament. It's really been an honor having him here, and I think we've all benefitted from his presence."

Bohannon has been reassigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, where he'll command the Air Force Inspection Agency. AFIA provides independent and timely assessments of acquisition, nuclear surety, operations, logistics, support and health care to Air Force senior leadership; identifies critical deficiencies and recommends improvements for accomplishing peacetime and wartime missions; and evaluates Air Force activities, personnel and policies.

"The measure of a leader isn't how they lead when things are going well," said Maj. Matthew Munska, 2nd BW Commander's Action Group officer. "The measure of a leader is how he does when he's down and out or when there are obstacles in his way. Colonel Bohannon exemplifies these elements of leadership. When things aren't going well, he pushes on and keeps moving forward, all the while bringing that positive attitude he's become known for. That's great leadership."

During a farewell dinner, Bohannon was presented with small tokens of appreciation by several members of Team Barksdale.

"These mementos mean a tremendous amount to me and my family," Bohannon said. "They signify all the men and women who have helped make our time here special. They help us remember you and all that you have done for us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

This was Bohannon's second assignment to Barksdale. He served as executive officer to the 8th Air Force commander from 2006-2007.

"He has such a compassionate heart and has touched so many lives," Goodwin said. "I know he's made me a better leader, and I believe he'll continue to do so even after he leaves. Bo, we thank you."

Col. Brandon Parker is slated to take over as 2nd BW vice commander. Parker previously commanded the 23rd Bomb Squadron at Minot AFB, North Dakota.